Sensational Backs
Championship-caliber teams usually have a dominant back, and this year’s final four teams are no exception. These four running backs are some of the bets the state of Utah has to offer, and each could lead their team to victory.…
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Continue ReadingChampionship-caliber teams usually have a dominant back, and this year’s final four teams are no exception. These four running backs are some of the bets the state of Utah has to offer, and each could lead their team to victory.
Micah Beckstead Micah Beckstead 5'11" | 210 lbs | RB Timpview | 2023 State UT || RB || 5’11 || 206 || Timpview High School || 2023
Beckstead has been one of the state’s most unstoppable forces all season, and he showed why against Orem. On 23 carries, he rushed for 188 yards and scored four total touchdowns to help lead the Thunderbirds to the state championship game. He explodes through holes, and his impressive breakaway speed has led to numerous long touchdowns this season. Beckstead has the perfect combination of speed and power. He constantly carries defenders for five yards before they can bring him down and routinely breaks tackles. In addition, Beckstead’s vision is better than 20/20, and he never misses a cutback lane or hole.
Carson Gonzales || RB || 5’11 || 165 || Lehi High School || 2023
Gonzales diced up the Stallion’s defense for 156 total yards and two touchdowns to help the Pioneers get a 42-0 win. A true do it all back, Gonzales is a sneaky route runner out of the backfield and constantly slipped through the Stansbury defense, where he racked up most of his yards after the catch. He’s tough to bring down in the open field, and that’s only if you can chase him down. Gonzales is tough in between the tackles and has good awareness of when to bounce runs to the outside. He takes ankles on nearly every run and breaks a tackle almost every time he touches the rock.
Tate Walker || RB || 5’9 || 170 || Skyridge High School || 2023
Walker made sure to leave his impact in the Falcon’s first game at Rice Eccles in 2022. The tough back had over 80 total yards and scored three touchdowns as he helped the Falcons take a commanding lead and never look back against Bingham. Walker has the rare ability to stop all his momentum and turn the jets back on at a moment’s notice. This stop/ start ability makes him a nightmare for defenses to deal with. He rarely goes down on first contact and takes excellent angles that make him difficult to stop. In addition, he never stops his legs enabling him to carry defenders with him for extra yards. Walker is also a good weapon in the screen game and a route runner out of the backfield.
Drew Patterson || RB || 5’11 || 190 ||Corner Canyon High School || 2023
In the postseason, Patterson continues to be the engine of the Corner Canyon offense. Against Farmington, he had over 130 yards and a touchdown as he leveled Phoenix defenders all game long. Patterson does a great job following his blockers and remains patient while they work upfield, allowing him to get the maximum yardage out of each run. He has great footwork, allowing him to keep his balance and break tackles. Paterson’s cuts are swift, and he’s also a strong route runner of the position and has good hands. Patterson plays both ways and makes his mark as an inside linebacker when the Chargers defense is on the field.